LibbyAfter losing in the St Patrick’s day game versus Connecticut, The Toronto Six have bounced back to force a game three against the Whale. Both teams are part of the Premier Hockey Federation, the world’s premier women’s hockey league. The Toronto Six was founded in 2020 and is now part of the PHF.
Showing grit and determination, the battle was evident right off the puck drop. Neutral zone possession quickly gave way to a deliberate back-and-forth that put both teams’ depth on display. The chippy play continued with blocked shots and battles on the boards and multiple penalties called on both teams.
FIRST BLOOD BY CONNECTICUT, BUT DON’T COUNT THE TORONTO SIX OUT YET
The Toronto Six did a reliable job hemming the Whales in after their first goal. Brilliant D-to-D passes kept the Whales at bay before The Six scored shorthanded with Captain Darkangelo in the box. Howard netted a beauty shot to tie things up and give the crowd something to cheer for.
The applause was cut short when Connecticut snapped back with a goal by Taylor Girard. More penalties kept the refs busy and both teams in the box. Whoever says women’s hockey isn’t as tough as men’s just hasn’t been watching.
Brittany Howard did what she does best, splitting the D and responding with another beauty goal keeping the score at 2-2.
Three-on-three overtime saw quick action by Emma Woods with just over 7 minutes to go. The forward, from Burford, Ontario fired an absolute rocket to snag the big W.
Both goalies played sensational games, with Toronto Six’s Elaine Chuli stealing the show and coming up big to earn the win.
With a 16-4-0 record for 2022, it’s obvious the team is after the big prize, in just their second appearance at the Isobel Cup.
The battle continues Monday at 6pm versus the Whale, back at the barn, Mattamy Athletic Centre. Get your tickets now on Ticketmaster.ca
All images by Libby Roach.